Austrian HSG Foundations: Safe Reporting at Work
An essential compliance course for all Austrian employees covering the HinweisgeberInnenschutzgesetz (HSG), Austria's whistleblowing law — explaining what to report, how to report safely, and the protections available to those who speak up.
This course introduces all staff to Austria's whistleblower protection framework as established by the HinweisgeberInnenschutzgesetz (HSG), which came into force in February 2023 and transposed the EU Whistleblowing Directive (2019/1937) into Austrian law. Whether you work in a small team or a large organisation, understanding your rights and responsibilities under the HSG is essential for maintaining a culture of integrity, accountability, and trust.
Throughout this course you will learn what types of concerns are protected, how to use internal and external reporting channels safely and confidentially, what retaliation looks like and how it is prohibited, and what happens after a report is made. The course uses plain language and practical scenarios to make the legal framework accessible to everyone, regardless of your role or level of seniority.
This is the All Staff course in a two-course set for Austria. A companion course provides deeper guidance for compliance officers, managers, and those responsible for operating internal reporting systems. Completing this course will help you feel confident and informed should you ever witness wrongdoing at work and wish to report it safely.
Course content
1. Module 1: Understanding the HSG and Why It Matters
- Lesson 1.1: Austria's Whistleblowing Law — The HSG Explained
- Lesson 1.2: The Scope of the HSG — What Breaches Are Covered?
2. Module 2: Who Is Protected and What Counts as a Valid Report
- Lesson 2.1: Who Can Make a Protected Report Under the HSG?
- Lesson 2.2: Anonymity, Confidentiality, and Reporting in Good Faith
3. Module 3: How to Report — Internal and External Channels
- Lesson 3.1: Internal Reporting Channels — Your First Option
- Lesson 3.2: External Reporting Channels and Public Disclosure
4. Module 4: Retaliation — What It Is and How the HSG Prohibits It
- Lesson 4.1: Recognising and Understanding Retaliation
- Lesson 4.2: Legal Consequences of Retaliation and Remedies for Reporters
5. Module 5: After You Report — Process, Confidentiality and Your Wellbeing
- Lesson 5.1: What Happens After a Report Is Made?
- Lesson 5.2: Protecting Your Wellbeing and Knowing Your Support Options
6. Module 6: Your Responsibilities and Building a Speak-Up Culture
- Lesson 6.1: Your Personal Obligations and Role as an Ethical Employee
- Lesson 6.2: Building and Sustaining a Speak-Up Culture
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 13 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $495.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.